Better outcome after pediatric defibrillation dosage than adult dosage in a swine model of pediatric ventricular fibrillation.

Objectives: This study was designed to compare outcome after adult defibrillation dosing versus pediatric dosing in a piglet model of prolonged prehospital ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Background: Weight-based 2 to 4 J/kg monophasic defibrillation dosing is recommended for children in VF, but impractical for automated external defibrillator (AED) use. Present AEDs can only provide adult shock doses or newly developed attenuated adult doses intended for children.

Attenuated adult biphasic shocks for prolonged pediatric ventricular fibrillation: support for pediatric automated defibrillators.

Objective: To evaluate published data regarding the treatment of prolonged pediatric defibrillation, with special emphasis on the use of attenuated adult biphasic shocks for pediatric defibrillation.

Design: Review relevant human and animal literature.

Results: Rhythm analysis algorithms from two manufacturers of automated external defibrillators can accurately distinguish shockable from nonshockable rhythms in children.

Attenuated adult biphasic shocks compared with weight-based monophasic shocks in a swine model of prolonged pediatric ventricular fibrillation.

Aim: To compare the safety and efficacy of attenuated adult biphasic shocks with standard monophasic weight-based shocks in a piglet model of prolonged prehospital ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Background: If attenuated adult shocks are safe and effective for prehospital pediatric VF, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be easily adapted for pediatric use.

Methods: After 7 min of untreated VF, piglets were randomized to treatment with attenuated adult biphasic shocks or weight-based monophasic shocks.